[FBALL]

I'd have to disagree with you FBALL, at least in terms of how I define "above average team". What I mean by an above-average team is a team that is in the (let's say) top 30% of their region. I know that Ashland can't compete statewide with this team and wouldn't be above average compared with them. But Ashland is certainly above-average in the 16th Region. They have a solid record, have played good against the lesser teams in the 16th and had only lost to Fairview (a very good team) prior to the Russell game. They then beat Fairview, so they look good to me, at least among the 16th Region teams, with only Elliott County, East and West Carter as definite better teams. Rose Hill, Fairview and Greenup Co. are competitive as well. Russell on the other hand has had nothing to brag about all season with the exception of beating a very down Boyd County team. So I stand by my posted opinion.

However, this game maybe shows that Russell is finally improving or that Ashland just can't get the Russell jinx off their back even in a Russell down year.

I see what you are saying and in some ways agree.

I think though if you have seen Ashland play that you might agree that they not a good team. They may be average in the 16th region but thats not saying much. Ashland has one shooter and Delaney and thats about it. They have some good athletes but they are a young team as well. They play decent defense but I don't think they have the depth or talent that Biggs needs to press like he wants to.

I know Ashland did beat Fairview once but I honestly think Fairview is a better team. I would rank Ashland right in there with Greenup County, Menifee County, and probably better than Rose Hill.

If I had to pick the top 5 in the 16th region it would go like this.

1 Elliott County
2 West Carter
3 East Carter
4 Bath County
5 Fairview

Russell is improving though still a year or two away from really being a factor. They are figuring out who can play and adjusting to a new coach. I think I can speak for most of the Russell fans and say that everyone is very pleased with the direction the program is heading.